Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2/Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1 as a Predictor of Prognosis and Radiotherapy Resistance in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Prospective Analysis.
The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Nrf2/Keap1) signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of cellular responses to oxidative stress. Nrf2 acts as a cell protector from inflammation, cellular damage, and tumorigenesis, whereas Keap1 is a negative regulator of Nrf2. Dysregulation of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway results in tumorigenesis and the active metabolism of tumor cells, leading to high resistance to radiotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive role of Nrf2 and Keap1 in the radiosensitivity and prognosis of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). ⋯ CRT is an important issue in LARC and is a major aspect of treatment. Thus, the Nrf2/Keap1 expression may be a potential predictor of preoperative therapeutic resistance. The Nrf2-Keap1 modulators that interact with each other may also be effectively applicable to CRT effect in LARC.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Change in the Usage of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Era of Biologics Among Korean Patients With Psoriasis.
Patients with long-standing psoriasis who are not treated with conventional medicine seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The biological revolution in the field of psoriasis since the late 2000s has progressed, expecting clearance or almost clearance of the disease. The frequency and type of CAM usage may have changed after these advances. We aimed to investigate changes in CAM use in Korean patients with psoriasis before and after the prevalent use of biologics. ⋯ Although treatment efficacy has increased with biologics development, CAM usage remains prevalent among Korean patients with psoriasis. Therefore, dermatologists need more efforts to improve patients' understanding of conventional medicine, including biologics.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
The Association Between Blood Lead Levels and Coronary Artery Calcium Score Determined by Using Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography.
Lead exposure is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a biomarker for diagnosing atherosclerotic CVD. This study investigated the association between blood lead level (BLL) and CAC using coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography. ⋯ Using coronary CT angiography, we determined a positive correlation between BLL and CAC among participants without CVD from the general population. To reduce the burden of CVD, efforts and policies should be geared toward minimizing environmental lead exposure.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jul 2023
Neonatal Risk Factors for Growth Retardation in Infants With Congenital Heart Disease.
While the association of congenital heart disease (CHD) and growth retardation (GR) is known, data remain limited. This study investigated the incidence of GR and its neonatal risk factors in patients with CHD using nationwide population-based claims data. ⋯ Several neonatal conditions were significant risk factors for GR in CHD patients, and appropriate monitoring and treatment programs are required in CHD neonates with these factors. Considering this study is limited to claims data, further studies are warranted, including genetic and environmental factors affecting GR in CHD patients.